Middlesbrough v Aston Villa: Semi-Final 1st Leg Pre-Match Thread

[olaftab]

Boro are best of mental state compared to the other 3 teams in the playoffs. Derby were in auto position and then slipped badly and just about recovered to make it whilst ourselves and Fulham have regrets about missing out. Boro must be delighted at having made it with the late run so momentum is with them and we have to take care of that tonight. 

[Bad English]

Loads of bars show whatever is live on Skysport. Google O’Sullivans in Montmartre  you should be ok there from memory.

Montmartre? Rip-off. Google Paris bar sky sports and there are quite a few to choose from. You should be able to get them to put Skyports Football or Main Event on a screen.

[Axl Rose]

My previous laissez-faire attitude has just gone up a notch to nervously concerned.

I'm in the same boat.

If Grealish plays well, we will win.

And I think he will, so I'm revising my earlier prediction of a 2-2 draw.

2-1 Villa. Grealish with the winner

[olaftab]

No worries as there is not a great deal of difference between two of them.

I have to challenge that but respectful of your view.

SJ has been a match saver with his keeping this season. Numerous occasions has been extraordinary whereas I find reserve bunn a mere ordinary in nets

Did we worry when a young kid came on at the start of an important game after probably the best keeper in England was injured?

[olaftab]

Loads of bars show whatever is live on Skysport. Google O’Sullivans in Montmartre  you should be ok there from memory.

Montmartre? Rip-off. Google Paris bar sky sports and there are quite a few to choose from. You should be able to get them to put Skyports Football or Main Event on a screen.

Yes but if we are 2-0 down he can always slip off to other "viewing" establishments nearby

[olaftab]

My previous laissez-faire attitude has just gone up a notch to nervously concerned.

I'm in the same boat.

If Grealish plays well, we will win.

And I think he will, so I'm revising my earlier prediction of a 2-2 draw.

2-1 Villa. Grealish with the winner

Stay strong fella, keep off saki, stay awake.

[cdbearsfan]

Good news: I dreamt we won one-nil. Bad news: Jasper Carrott scored the winner. That seems mildly unlikely.

[Lizz]

FWIW, amongst my usual attire I'm wearing my self-proclaimed lucky charms- favourite earrings and watch. Home win.

[villa `cross the mersey]

I wish everyone a safe journey travelling there and back today - give them an extra shout from me and VCTM jnr
C'mon the Villa don't mess this up !!!!!

[footyskillz]

No worries as there is not a great deal of difference between two of them.

I have to challenge that but respectful of your view.

SJ has been a match saver with his keeping this season. Numerous occasions has been extraordinary whereas I find reserve bunn a mere ordinary in nets

Did we worry when a young kid came on at the start of an important game after probably the best keeper in England was injured?

I wasn't born but know the story well! Not exactly the same but OK well I hope Bunn will do the nets well if he's playing. I prefer Johnstone though Bunn has been a bit of a servant to villa.

Or how about if Bunn had to go off injured and the young reserve GK came on there the story!

I guess my view of Bunn is tainted as he only seemed to play in seemingly defeats in prem but that was at a low  time with a poor defence.

Perhaps right as our defence this season is immense its just that the times been breached SJ has saved one on one.

He may well be left holding the baby so I hope bunny holds on to the ball!

[footyskillz]

Does anyone think Jedi and Whelan would both start then?

And leave the front 4 to do the attacking whilst rest defend.

[SamTheMouse]

For some reason, I am very nervous. My sphincter has seized up already.

[footyskillz]

I just think 4 - 2-3-1 would be beneficial .

[LeeB]

For some reason, I am very nervous. My sphincter has seized up already.

I wish mine would, been shitting like an old Alsatian dog all morning.

[Gregorys Boy]

If we get a decent result this evening considering how good our home form's been this season I think it'll give us a good chance of going through in the second leg.  1-1.  Chester to get ours.